You've Got This
Today’s post is truly transparent and from my heart.
This was not the post that I had planned.
I have five friends that read my posts and pray over them before you ever see them. I was ready to hit send to share my post with them, but I couldn’t. God wanted me to truly share what was on my heart.
Out of true transparency, I want to be honest with you. I’m struggling. The closer I’m getting to God and the more I’m Following His lead, the more I struggle. I want to QUIT!
My job, my marriage, family issues, personal struggles, a health issue, circumstances of life, and my relationship with God; all of these areas are all taking a hit. It’s hard!!!
This morning, I was ready to throw it all away. I felt defeated and alone. I was done. Have you ever felt that way?
But this afternoon, I sat down to read my Bible and pray. I needed the scriptures to encourage me to continue to fight through this battle.
God led me to scriptures that were a source of encouragement to me.
“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”
James 1:2-4 MSG
My challenges sure don’t feel like a gift, but I know that God is continuing to develop and shape me through them.
1 Peter 1:6-7 MSG
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
If I “try to get out of it prematurely” as James 1:3 says, Christ will not get the glory He deserves.
“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.”
Galatians 6:9-10 MSG
If I don’t give up, I will see the fruits of my labor.
“I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.”
Philippians 4:13 ASV
I can do ALL things with Him.
Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.”
Isaiah 41:10 MSG
God will give me strength, He won’t let me fall.
“If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people also shall go to their place in peace. Exodus 18:23 ASV
What God calls me to do, I can endure.
Why am I sharing all of this with you? I believe that if you are struggling, God wanted to remind you that you are not alone. But also, the Bible says “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT
If you are struggling, share your struggles with someone else. Allow Christ to work through you. And talking with someone else will help release some of the stress you are carrying. You don’t have to carry it alone.
Whether the enemy is fighting against me, or if God is teaching me endurance and strength, I know I have to stand firm in my faith. If I give up, I won’t see God’s glory revealed, and I won’t see the testimony on the other side.
Obedience and trust are two words I struggle with, but that’s what I need to face my battles with God by my side.
If you are feeling tested, or you are in the midst of a trial (or several); even if it feels like God’s left you to struggle alone, you can be sure that He hasn’t. He is right there with you. I encourage you to see this through. With God, YOU’VE GOT THIS!
God, I thank you that you are with me through whatever trials I face. Thank you for the strength you have promised when I get weary. Lord, help me to not feel alone, and help me to have the strength and courage to keep going when things get tough. Refresh me and encourage me as I continue to seek you for my comfort and strength. And give me peace through it all. Amen
Journal prompt: In what areas do I feel are currently a challenge? What scripture(s) can help encourage me and keep me going?
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